- Daily Mirror - 5th January 2010
Technician commits suicide
The body of H.E. Jayasena, the Sri Lankan who committed suicide on New Years Eve in Dubai , was flown back to the island, yesterday. An A/C technician at a five star hotel in Dubai , Jayasena was reported to have committed suicide while on duty.
He was found dead by his supervisor on the basement floor with burn marks on his hands.
"Forensic experts confirm the deliberate motivation of the technician to commit suicide from the marks and evidence found at the scene," Director of CID at Dubai Police Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Humaid Al Merri told Gulf News. Police investigations revealed that the victim had been embroiled in a dispute with the hotel management over his end-of-service settlements and his air ticket back to Sri Lanka.One of his colleagues, who did not want to be named, said he was a very quiet person who had joined the company around 10 months ago.
He said that Jayasena had been complaining of a severe headache, for several months, but no one was able to identify the cause of the pain. According to him Jayasena had travelled to Sri Lanka in November for treatment which proved futile.
"I believe his sickness and the way the management dealt with his request to leave and go back home drove him to commit suicide," the colleague added.
Monday, January 4, 2010
No more votes for migrant workers and the sad story
- Island
by Shyamalee Mahibalan
Over 1.7 million registered migrant workers, whose remittance last year recorded 316,118 million rupees have lost their voting franchise this time too. According to 2005 figures, they are 12% of registered voters and 10% of the national workforce; they contribute to 17% national savings and more than 20% foreign exchange earnings and they constitute of over 47% women. One cannot also forget the hundreds of thousands of students and the diplomatic staff abroad, whose political participation is vital in a democratic society. No doubt, many would agree that this may have been a golden opportunity for Sri Lankan expatriates to participate in the development process of the country. Considering the large numbers of women voter base the most favorable action would be to allow them to vote and ascertaining their franchise, since it can be considered collective power and not individual power that counts.
It has been 10 years since the campaign for political rights of expatriate workers, who have been shunned and denied, was first initiated by the National workers Congress Migrants service centre. Since then, so many elections have come and gone the authorities seemed to have no political will. If the voting franchise of migrant workers cannot be incorporated in to the current electoral reforms, they could offer to purchase 1.7 million tickets and bring them over instead of destroying or rigging their votes.
Ironically both main candidates have promised to increase the women representation in parliament to 30% from its current position of 4%, seemingly interesting for a country that has produced two women leaders, quite mystifying in a country where women are leading the workforce. Sri lanka ’s women representation in parliament is said to be way behind all other South Asian countries. Since the granting of universal franchise in 1931 Sri Lanka encouraged men and women to enjoy voting rights for over 77 years. According to reports, political representation, political participation and women in decision-making remain at abysmal level. Women’s representation in Parliament stands at 4.05% and in Local Government 1.9 %. The percentage of women in Municipal Councils is 3.0% and the Urban Councils 3.4%. Afghanistan, a country with many tribes and tribal practices and warlords, where the United States is trying to force western style democracy through its criminal ally Karzai, where we are reminded daily in the mainstream media that the Burka is a form of repression and that the women are flogged on the streets, interstingly out of its 361 members in parliament 91 members are women. These independent candidates hold 57 seats in the lower house and 28% in the upper house, higher than even the United States . These are educated independent candidates, who were elected from provinces all across Afghanistan .Despite the western backed Warlords refusal to accept women’s rights and enforce discriminatory laws against women (the recent amendment to marital rape law) the rights of Afghan women are enshrined in the constitution. Malalai Joya (Activist, author-a woman among warlords) was a 26 year old parliamentarian when she raised her voice in Afghan parliament in 2003 against warlords and foreign occupation ,an interesting video of this moment can be viewed on you tube, she was however suspended two years later. Today she is the voice of Afghanistan across the world and she still fights for freedom and democracy in Afghanistan . Noam Chomsky called her "truly worthy choice for the Nobel Peace Prize" Out of the 91 members many reported to have received death threats from Karzai backed warlord, regardless they continue.
In contrast, Sri Lanka ’s 4% in the parliament seems like a few tokens to adorn the many seats in the parliament, in a male dominated political hierarchy, once elected they succumbed to cheap political campaigns of identity politics. Sad indeed that Sri Lankan women today are mere spectators behind microphones and cameras, despite the years of progress made. One wonders where are all the women activists and lawmakers, where is activism in politics? Sri Lanka ’s activists and activism is most certainly archaic and selfish, so are politics and politicians. Politics in Sri Lanka however, resembles an elitist private club with access to everything public. Anyone can be lured in to this club with the prospect of many perks including plundering and controlling the herd ".
We need to reignite the women power in politics and parliament, not the junk identity politics, but political activism. We need to reignite the fiery brand of Vivian Gunawardena politics.
by Shyamalee Mahibalan
Over 1.7 million registered migrant workers, whose remittance last year recorded 316,118 million rupees have lost their voting franchise this time too. According to 2005 figures, they are 12% of registered voters and 10% of the national workforce; they contribute to 17% national savings and more than 20% foreign exchange earnings and they constitute of over 47% women. One cannot also forget the hundreds of thousands of students and the diplomatic staff abroad, whose political participation is vital in a democratic society. No doubt, many would agree that this may have been a golden opportunity for Sri Lankan expatriates to participate in the development process of the country. Considering the large numbers of women voter base the most favorable action would be to allow them to vote and ascertaining their franchise, since it can be considered collective power and not individual power that counts.
It has been 10 years since the campaign for political rights of expatriate workers, who have been shunned and denied, was first initiated by the National workers Congress Migrants service centre. Since then, so many elections have come and gone the authorities seemed to have no political will. If the voting franchise of migrant workers cannot be incorporated in to the current electoral reforms, they could offer to purchase 1.7 million tickets and bring them over instead of destroying or rigging their votes.
Ironically both main candidates have promised to increase the women representation in parliament to 30% from its current position of 4%, seemingly interesting for a country that has produced two women leaders, quite mystifying in a country where women are leading the workforce. Sri lanka ’s women representation in parliament is said to be way behind all other South Asian countries. Since the granting of universal franchise in 1931 Sri Lanka encouraged men and women to enjoy voting rights for over 77 years. According to reports, political representation, political participation and women in decision-making remain at abysmal level. Women’s representation in Parliament stands at 4.05% and in Local Government 1.9 %. The percentage of women in Municipal Councils is 3.0% and the Urban Councils 3.4%. Afghanistan, a country with many tribes and tribal practices and warlords, where the United States is trying to force western style democracy through its criminal ally Karzai, where we are reminded daily in the mainstream media that the Burka is a form of repression and that the women are flogged on the streets, interstingly out of its 361 members in parliament 91 members are women. These independent candidates hold 57 seats in the lower house and 28% in the upper house, higher than even the United States . These are educated independent candidates, who were elected from provinces all across Afghanistan .Despite the western backed Warlords refusal to accept women’s rights and enforce discriminatory laws against women (the recent amendment to marital rape law) the rights of Afghan women are enshrined in the constitution. Malalai Joya (Activist, author-a woman among warlords) was a 26 year old parliamentarian when she raised her voice in Afghan parliament in 2003 against warlords and foreign occupation ,an interesting video of this moment can be viewed on you tube, she was however suspended two years later. Today she is the voice of Afghanistan across the world and she still fights for freedom and democracy in Afghanistan . Noam Chomsky called her "truly worthy choice for the Nobel Peace Prize" Out of the 91 members many reported to have received death threats from Karzai backed warlord, regardless they continue.
In contrast, Sri Lanka ’s 4% in the parliament seems like a few tokens to adorn the many seats in the parliament, in a male dominated political hierarchy, once elected they succumbed to cheap political campaigns of identity politics. Sad indeed that Sri Lankan women today are mere spectators behind microphones and cameras, despite the years of progress made. One wonders where are all the women activists and lawmakers, where is activism in politics? Sri Lanka ’s activists and activism is most certainly archaic and selfish, so are politics and politicians. Politics in Sri Lanka however, resembles an elitist private club with access to everything public. Anyone can be lured in to this club with the prospect of many perks including plundering and controlling the herd ".
We need to reignite the women power in politics and parliament, not the junk identity politics, but political activism. We need to reignite the fiery brand of Vivian Gunawardena politics.
Female Workers Return
By Cassandra Mascarenhas
Last week, a group of 44 female workers returned to Sri Lanka from Kuwait where they had been seeking shelter in a safe house managed by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Kuwait .
According to L. K. Ruhunage, the assistant general manager of the Foreign Employment Bureau of Sri Lanka, the return of these workers is an ongoing process that is funded by the Bureau.
There are many reasons behind why these women chose to leave their places of employment such as the non-payment of wages, being unable to work due to various illnesses, personal reasons such as sick relatives back home or in some cases, harassment at the hands of their employers.
Next week, another group of 68 male workers are scheduled to return to Sri Lanka from Riyadh , Saudi Arabia as they too have encountered similar problems at their places of employment.
When asked about the situation regarding the workers stranded under the Kandara Bridge in Saudi Arabia , Ruhunage said that most of them have returned back to Sri Lanka . “This is harder to monitor as the workers’ return is handled by the Saudi authorities and not us,” he added.
However, yet more workers have gathered under this bridge, adding to the number of workers waiting to return. The Saudi government has now offered these workers shelter, where the Foreign Employment Bureau of Sri Lanka would pay for the accommodation, and the Sri Lankan consulate based in Jeddah has advised the workers to accept this offer and move to the shelters instead of continuing to remain under the Kandara Bridge .
Last week, a group of 44 female workers returned to Sri Lanka from Kuwait where they had been seeking shelter in a safe house managed by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Kuwait .
According to L. K. Ruhunage, the assistant general manager of the Foreign Employment Bureau of Sri Lanka, the return of these workers is an ongoing process that is funded by the Bureau.
There are many reasons behind why these women chose to leave their places of employment such as the non-payment of wages, being unable to work due to various illnesses, personal reasons such as sick relatives back home or in some cases, harassment at the hands of their employers.
Next week, another group of 68 male workers are scheduled to return to Sri Lanka from Riyadh , Saudi Arabia as they too have encountered similar problems at their places of employment.
When asked about the situation regarding the workers stranded under the Kandara Bridge in Saudi Arabia , Ruhunage said that most of them have returned back to Sri Lanka . “This is harder to monitor as the workers’ return is handled by the Saudi authorities and not us,” he added.
However, yet more workers have gathered under this bridge, adding to the number of workers waiting to return. The Saudi government has now offered these workers shelter, where the Foreign Employment Bureau of Sri Lanka would pay for the accommodation, and the Sri Lankan consulate based in Jeddah has advised the workers to accept this offer and move to the shelters instead of continuing to remain under the Kandara Bridge .
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Sri Lankan woman charged with murder in Singapore
A 31-year-old Sri Lankan woman in Singapore was charged on Thursday with the murder of a 32-year-old Indian national.
The dead man, Murugaiyan Selvam, an assembly worker, was found lying motionless, with head injuries, on his bed in a room at Kaki Bukit Crescent on Dec 4.
The woman, Tharmalingan Puwaneswary, who works here as a maid, was arrested by police in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
She was charged with killing Murugaiyan at the Kaki Bukit building between about 11pm on Dec 3 and about 9.15am on Dec 4.
She has been remanded until her case is mentioned in court again on Dec 24.
Anyone convicted of murder faces the mandatory death penalty. (Straits Times)
Daily Mirror
The dead man, Murugaiyan Selvam, an assembly worker, was found lying motionless, with head injuries, on his bed in a room at Kaki Bukit Crescent on Dec 4.
The woman, Tharmalingan Puwaneswary, who works here as a maid, was arrested by police in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
She was charged with killing Murugaiyan at the Kaki Bukit building between about 11pm on Dec 3 and about 9.15am on Dec 4.
She has been remanded until her case is mentioned in court again on Dec 24.
Anyone convicted of murder faces the mandatory death penalty. (Straits Times)
Daily Mirror
Monday, December 14, 2009
We should not forget Rizana
Island
Early this year it was reported that Kifaya Ifthikar, a social worker, who met Rizana in prison, said the maid looked sick and that the doctors had advised her to undergo surgery for hernia.
Prolonging the anxiety and worry of an innocent, poor house-maid is abominable.
It was indeed heatening a couple of years ago to see the concern for Rizana, a poor girl from Mutur, facing the death penalty in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia . The concern for her was unprecedented. When foreign human rights organizations brought her predicament to light, the government, social organizations and individual Sri Lankans did everything possible to alleviate the suffering of this poor girl.
It was reported that Sri Lankans working in Saudi Arabia even collected money for her. These actions only proved humanness of all Sri Lankans whether they be Sinhalese, Tamils or Muslims. It was a beautiful gesture that underscored communal harmony and fellow feeling.
However, one hardly hears anything about Rizana’s fate. To be suspended in a position between life and death will certainly cause clinical depression or an anxiety disorder which even may result in schizophrenia and possible suicide.
It is in fact the duty of all Sri Lankans human rights organizations and social service outfits to agitate for the release of Rizana. If we remain silent the Saudi regime will surely behead her in public.
The media, human rights organizations, our foreign ministry and all those who were concerned about Rizna’s plight have lost interest in her.
The last heard from Sri Lankan Ambassador Abdul Ajeed Mohammed Marleen now deceased was "that Rizana would have to wait until the case is taken up again. The date for the next hearing is unknown... Some reconciliatory efforts with the deceased infant’s father Al-Otaiba would prevent the maid from languishing in jail for a longer time." He did not elaborate.
Apparently the Foreign Ministry has conveniently closed the file on poor Rizana.
Early this year it was reported that Kifaya Ifthikar, a social worker, who met Rizana in prison, said the maid looked sick and that the doctors had advised her to undergo surgery for hernia.
Prolonging the anxiety and worry of an innocent, poor house-maid is abominable.
Saybhan Samat
Rajagiriya
Early this year it was reported that Kifaya Ifthikar, a social worker, who met Rizana in prison, said the maid looked sick and that the doctors had advised her to undergo surgery for hernia.
Prolonging the anxiety and worry of an innocent, poor house-maid is abominable.
It was indeed heatening a couple of years ago to see the concern for Rizana, a poor girl from Mutur, facing the death penalty in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia . The concern for her was unprecedented. When foreign human rights organizations brought her predicament to light, the government, social organizations and individual Sri Lankans did everything possible to alleviate the suffering of this poor girl.
It was reported that Sri Lankans working in Saudi Arabia even collected money for her. These actions only proved humanness of all Sri Lankans whether they be Sinhalese, Tamils or Muslims. It was a beautiful gesture that underscored communal harmony and fellow feeling.
However, one hardly hears anything about Rizana’s fate. To be suspended in a position between life and death will certainly cause clinical depression or an anxiety disorder which even may result in schizophrenia and possible suicide.
It is in fact the duty of all Sri Lankans human rights organizations and social service outfits to agitate for the release of Rizana. If we remain silent the Saudi regime will surely behead her in public.
The media, human rights organizations, our foreign ministry and all those who were concerned about Rizna’s plight have lost interest in her.
The last heard from Sri Lankan Ambassador Abdul Ajeed Mohammed Marleen now deceased was "that Rizana would have to wait until the case is taken up again. The date for the next hearing is unknown... Some reconciliatory efforts with the deceased infant’s father Al-Otaiba would prevent the maid from languishing in jail for a longer time." He did not elaborate.
Apparently the Foreign Ministry has conveniently closed the file on poor Rizana.
Early this year it was reported that Kifaya Ifthikar, a social worker, who met Rizana in prison, said the maid looked sick and that the doctors had advised her to undergo surgery for hernia.
Prolonging the anxiety and worry of an innocent, poor house-maid is abominable.
Saybhan Samat
Rajagiriya
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Malaysia tells Lankan would be immigrants no to be duped
Foreigners, especially those from Sri Lanka , who were brought into Malaysia illegally with the promise to be sent to other countries, have been urged to be wary of unscrupulous agents.
Malaysian Nanban, quoting Suhakam commissioner Datuk N. Sivasubramaniam, urged these foreigners not to be fooled by such agents, saying that the organisation had received many complaints concerning the matter.
“These refugees, especially Sri Lankans, are brought illegally into this country and promised by the agents that they can seek residence in Australia , Canada and New Zealand but they end up getting stranded here,” he said.
The agents, meanwhile, took all their money, and some even took money from the refugees’ contacts in the other countries, he said.
Sivasubramaniam urged the refugees to contact their respective embassies, Immigra-tion Department or the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for update on their status of application. (The Star online)
Malaysian Nanban, quoting Suhakam commissioner Datuk N. Sivasubramaniam, urged these foreigners not to be fooled by such agents, saying that the organisation had received many complaints concerning the matter.
“These refugees, especially Sri Lankans, are brought illegally into this country and promised by the agents that they can seek residence in Australia , Canada and New Zealand but they end up getting stranded here,” he said.
The agents, meanwhile, took all their money, and some even took money from the refugees’ contacts in the other countries, he said.
Sivasubramaniam urged the refugees to contact their respective embassies, Immigra-tion Department or the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for update on their status of application. (The Star online)
New envoy assures to look after interests of Lankans in Saudi
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mohammed Rasooldeen
The new Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Kingdom said his mission in Riyadh was to serve all Sri Lankans in the Kingdom and look after their interests in Saudi Arabia and promote bilateral relations between the island and the Kingdom.
Ambassador Ahmed Aflel Jawad , who arrived in the Saudi capital last week told the Daily News that his mission is to work for the welfare of the 500,000 Sri Lankan workers in the Kingdom and strengthen the two-way relations between the two countries in trade, political and cultural fields.
Saudi-Lanka ties
* 75 percent of Lanka's exports to Kingdom tea
*Lanka most attractive investment zone in Asia
* Increase in Saudi tourists to Sri Lanka
To serve his countrymen in the Kingdom, Jawad said he will coordinate his activities with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) and other related agencies in the Kingdom.
In the field of trade between the two countries, he observed that 75 percent of the island's exports to the Kingdom is tea and the balance include some 15 products from Sri Lanka . The envoy said there are plenty of other non-traditional exports that could find easy access to the Kingdom's market.
He stressed that he would also make all efforts to encourage foreign direct investments from the Kingdom since the island could offer a wide range of opportunities for Saudi investors coming to Sri Lanka .
" Sri Lanka is the most attractive investment zone in Asia ," Jawad said.
"I am happy to note that there is a 101 percent increase among the Saudi tourists to Sri Lanka with the end of the ethnic conflict on May 19", he noted, adding that the hill resorts have become popular destinations among the Saudis visiting the island.
The ambassador inaugurated the Charity Fair organized by the Sri Lankan Expatriates Society in Riyadh Thursday. The proceeds of the fair will be diverted to the Free Medical Clinic managed by the society.
Mohammed Rasooldeen
The new Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Kingdom said his mission in Riyadh was to serve all Sri Lankans in the Kingdom and look after their interests in Saudi Arabia and promote bilateral relations between the island and the Kingdom.
Ambassador Ahmed Aflel Jawad , who arrived in the Saudi capital last week told the Daily News that his mission is to work for the welfare of the 500,000 Sri Lankan workers in the Kingdom and strengthen the two-way relations between the two countries in trade, political and cultural fields.
Saudi-Lanka ties
* 75 percent of Lanka's exports to Kingdom tea
*Lanka most attractive investment zone in Asia
* Increase in Saudi tourists to Sri Lanka
To serve his countrymen in the Kingdom, Jawad said he will coordinate his activities with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) and other related agencies in the Kingdom.
In the field of trade between the two countries, he observed that 75 percent of the island's exports to the Kingdom is tea and the balance include some 15 products from Sri Lanka . The envoy said there are plenty of other non-traditional exports that could find easy access to the Kingdom's market.
He stressed that he would also make all efforts to encourage foreign direct investments from the Kingdom since the island could offer a wide range of opportunities for Saudi investors coming to Sri Lanka .
" Sri Lanka is the most attractive investment zone in Asia ," Jawad said.
"I am happy to note that there is a 101 percent increase among the Saudi tourists to Sri Lanka with the end of the ethnic conflict on May 19", he noted, adding that the hill resorts have become popular destinations among the Saudis visiting the island.
The ambassador inaugurated the Charity Fair organized by the Sri Lankan Expatriates Society in Riyadh Thursday. The proceeds of the fair will be diverted to the Free Medical Clinic managed by the society.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Labour Dept puts online tabs on law violations
Source ::: The Peninsula
Doha: The Ministry of Labour is set to introduce an online system which will enable it to detect any violation of labour law by employers, including the delay in disbursement of salaries.
The Labour Department is also planning to introduce a campaign — Qatar Gate— to create awareness of workers’ rights.
According to the online system, which is proposed to be launched early next year, employers have to enter the details of workers in a specially designed electronic programme.
Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimy, Director of Labor Inspection Department at the Ministry of Labour, told an Arabic daily that the new system will help monitor whether firms are strictly abiding by the Labour Department’s guidelines on the operation of labour camps.
Al Nuaimy said the Labour Department, as part of the Qatar Gate campaign, would open a counter at the airport and distribute literature detailing all the necessary information needed for the newly-arriving labourers.
The booklets would be published in different languages for the convenience of the workers. The duty officer at the counter would give necessary instructions to the representative of the companies who reach the airport to receive the new employers.
Specific directives have been given to the companies on the facilities to be offered to the workers at the camps — more than four workers should not be living in a room; windows must be covered with iron nets as well as glass.
The rooms, in addition to being properly ventilated, must be big enough to meet the specified size requirement. The employer must make sure that there is proper air circulation in the rooms.
In no way, are labourers to be allowed to sleep in corridors or on roof-tops.
The Department has been working on creating a database of all companies and commercial establishments since last July, Al Nuaimy said.
Meanwhile, the Inspection Department, established according to the Emiri decree No. 35 of 2009, will continue its routine periodic inspections at the work sites, companies and labour camps.
He said the operations of two companies were suspended for one week this summer for violating the Labour Department’s directives over the break in working hours.
Doha: The Ministry of Labour is set to introduce an online system which will enable it to detect any violation of labour law by employers, including the delay in disbursement of salaries.
The Labour Department is also planning to introduce a campaign — Qatar Gate— to create awareness of workers’ rights.
According to the online system, which is proposed to be launched early next year, employers have to enter the details of workers in a specially designed electronic programme.
Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimy, Director of Labor Inspection Department at the Ministry of Labour, told an Arabic daily that the new system will help monitor whether firms are strictly abiding by the Labour Department’s guidelines on the operation of labour camps.
Al Nuaimy said the Labour Department, as part of the Qatar Gate campaign, would open a counter at the airport and distribute literature detailing all the necessary information needed for the newly-arriving labourers.
The booklets would be published in different languages for the convenience of the workers. The duty officer at the counter would give necessary instructions to the representative of the companies who reach the airport to receive the new employers.
Specific directives have been given to the companies on the facilities to be offered to the workers at the camps — more than four workers should not be living in a room; windows must be covered with iron nets as well as glass.
The rooms, in addition to being properly ventilated, must be big enough to meet the specified size requirement. The employer must make sure that there is proper air circulation in the rooms.
In no way, are labourers to be allowed to sleep in corridors or on roof-tops.
The Department has been working on creating a database of all companies and commercial establishments since last July, Al Nuaimy said.
Meanwhile, the Inspection Department, established according to the Emiri decree No. 35 of 2009, will continue its routine periodic inspections at the work sites, companies and labour camps.
He said the operations of two companies were suspended for one week this summer for violating the Labour Department’s directives over the break in working hours.
Sri Lanka Elected to United Nations Migrant Workers Committee
Sri LankaColombo, 08 December, (Asiantribune.com):
Ambassador Prasad KariyawasamSri Lanka's candidate, Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam was re-elected to the UN Committee on Migrant Workers (CMW), to serve a four-year term, until the end of year 2013, at the election held in New York on 3rd December 2009.
The election was held at the Fourth Meeting of the States Parties to the UN Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families.
The Committee, as its main responsibility, monitors the implementation of the Convention and it is the most comprehensive international instrument that deals with the rights of migrant workers. The Convention is an important component of the core international human rights treaties in the UN Human Rights Treaty System. It came into force in the year 2003,and as of today, forty-one countries have become Party to the Conventiones.
Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam was elected as the first Chairman of the Migrant Workers Committee in year 2003. In addition to Sri Lanka, candidates presented by the Philippines, Guatemala, Turkey, Ecuador, Mali, Jamaica, Senegal and Azerbaijan, were also elected as members of the Committee. With the election of these nine members, the Migrant Workers Committee (CMW) now comprises a total of 14 elected members, who are experts on human rights.
- Asian Tribune -
Ambassador Prasad KariyawasamSri Lanka's candidate, Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam was re-elected to the UN Committee on Migrant Workers (CMW), to serve a four-year term, until the end of year 2013, at the election held in New York on 3rd December 2009.
The election was held at the Fourth Meeting of the States Parties to the UN Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families.
The Committee, as its main responsibility, monitors the implementation of the Convention and it is the most comprehensive international instrument that deals with the rights of migrant workers. The Convention is an important component of the core international human rights treaties in the UN Human Rights Treaty System. It came into force in the year 2003,and as of today, forty-one countries have become Party to the Conventiones.
Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam was elected as the first Chairman of the Migrant Workers Committee in year 2003. In addition to Sri Lanka, candidates presented by the Philippines, Guatemala, Turkey, Ecuador, Mali, Jamaica, Senegal and Azerbaijan, were also elected as members of the Committee. With the election of these nine members, the Migrant Workers Committee (CMW) now comprises a total of 14 elected members, who are experts on human rights.
- Asian Tribune -
Monday, December 7, 2009
Sri Lanka may feel effects of Dubai crisis
Sunday December 05, 20
By Natasha Gunaratne
Dubai’s recent financial woes may affect Sri Lankan job seekers in the future if there is a downturn in employment in the Gulf state. Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines, Manoj Gunawardena told the Business Times this week that so far the airline’s daily flights to Dubai have not been affected but that they are keeping a watch on news from the Gulf nation. Dubai sent shockwaves through the financial community last week when it announced it was seeking a delay in meeting its debt repayments, totalling a staggering US$80 billion from various international banks including banking giant HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank.
Emirati men follow the market's movement at the Dubai Financial Market in the Gulf emirate. The Dubai and Abu Dhabi stock markets plunged by 6.25 percent and 5.91 percent respectively in early trade, adding to the heavy losses amid continuing concern over Dubai 's debt woes. AFP
“This is a busy travel period and bookings are made in advance,” Mr. Gunawardena said. However, he explained that there is a time lag in any upturn or downturn in bookings. “Part of our business is carrying employment seekers to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). If there is a downturn in employment or a downturn in the construction industry, there might be a decline.”
A senior economist explained that remittances from Dubai may not reduce much as Sri Lankan workers are quite intrepid and will move on to Saudi Arabia which is embarking on a massive and much more sustainable infrastructure development programme for middle class cities and educational and industrial complexes which will last for over a decade. However, he said that holders of Sri Lankan government bonds might think twice about subscribing to future issues.
The economist added that unless significant economic growth and export diversification happens soon, the Sri Lankan government could face the threat of higher inflation in 2012 and a weakening debt service capacity for the government. The coming elections will be watched closely and it is hoped that once they are concluded, the government that is formed will set the stage for a strong structural basis for rapid economic development. President of the Association of Licensed Foreign Employment Agencies Association W.M.P. Aponso said construction workers from Sri Lanka were sent back from Dubai during the early stages of the global recession but the problem has subsided to a certain extent.
He said only time will tell how Dubai ’s latest financial crisis will affect migrant workers in construction although the services sector should remain unaffected. “It all depends on the improvement of Dubai ’s financial situation.” Mr. Aponso said migrant workers are also going to Doha , Qatar – in large numbers -- for work.
Banking experts say Sri Lanka does not have much exposure to Dubai and will not be affected by its recent financial troubles. One senior banker in Sri Lanka told the Business Times that only the international banks which have loaned money to Dubai will be seriously affected.
He said Sri Lanka does not have much in terms of imports or exports with Dubai except for tea. He added that it is up to the monetary authorities in Dubai to find a solution to the problem.
The Wall Street Journal reported this week that the Dubai government would issue US$20 billion in long-term bonds and that the first installment of US$10 billion was fully subscribed by UAE’s central bank. The bond issuance is expected to provide Dubai with necessary liquidity to substitute the liquidity that has dried up globally in the last 12 months and accordingly, meet all upcoming financial obligations.
The Journal further stated that the cash infusion from the UAE comes as Dubai ’s once soaring real- estate market comes crashing down.
Falling prices, some down by 50% or more, have burned speculators who never intended to hold onto properties in the first place. Sales have plummeted, crimping cash flow for developers which are now scrambling to shed employees, cancel or postpone billions of dollars worth of projects and extend installment plans to avoid missed payments.
By Natasha Gunaratne
Dubai’s recent financial woes may affect Sri Lankan job seekers in the future if there is a downturn in employment in the Gulf state. Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines, Manoj Gunawardena told the Business Times this week that so far the airline’s daily flights to Dubai have not been affected but that they are keeping a watch on news from the Gulf nation. Dubai sent shockwaves through the financial community last week when it announced it was seeking a delay in meeting its debt repayments, totalling a staggering US$80 billion from various international banks including banking giant HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank.
Emirati men follow the market's movement at the Dubai Financial Market in the Gulf emirate. The Dubai and Abu Dhabi stock markets plunged by 6.25 percent and 5.91 percent respectively in early trade, adding to the heavy losses amid continuing concern over Dubai 's debt woes. AFP
“This is a busy travel period and bookings are made in advance,” Mr. Gunawardena said. However, he explained that there is a time lag in any upturn or downturn in bookings. “Part of our business is carrying employment seekers to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). If there is a downturn in employment or a downturn in the construction industry, there might be a decline.”
A senior economist explained that remittances from Dubai may not reduce much as Sri Lankan workers are quite intrepid and will move on to Saudi Arabia which is embarking on a massive and much more sustainable infrastructure development programme for middle class cities and educational and industrial complexes which will last for over a decade. However, he said that holders of Sri Lankan government bonds might think twice about subscribing to future issues.
The economist added that unless significant economic growth and export diversification happens soon, the Sri Lankan government could face the threat of higher inflation in 2012 and a weakening debt service capacity for the government. The coming elections will be watched closely and it is hoped that once they are concluded, the government that is formed will set the stage for a strong structural basis for rapid economic development. President of the Association of Licensed Foreign Employment Agencies Association W.M.P. Aponso said construction workers from Sri Lanka were sent back from Dubai during the early stages of the global recession but the problem has subsided to a certain extent.
He said only time will tell how Dubai ’s latest financial crisis will affect migrant workers in construction although the services sector should remain unaffected. “It all depends on the improvement of Dubai ’s financial situation.” Mr. Aponso said migrant workers are also going to Doha , Qatar – in large numbers -- for work.
Banking experts say Sri Lanka does not have much exposure to Dubai and will not be affected by its recent financial troubles. One senior banker in Sri Lanka told the Business Times that only the international banks which have loaned money to Dubai will be seriously affected.
He said Sri Lanka does not have much in terms of imports or exports with Dubai except for tea. He added that it is up to the monetary authorities in Dubai to find a solution to the problem.
The Wall Street Journal reported this week that the Dubai government would issue US$20 billion in long-term bonds and that the first installment of US$10 billion was fully subscribed by UAE’s central bank. The bond issuance is expected to provide Dubai with necessary liquidity to substitute the liquidity that has dried up globally in the last 12 months and accordingly, meet all upcoming financial obligations.
The Journal further stated that the cash infusion from the UAE comes as Dubai ’s once soaring real- estate market comes crashing down.
Falling prices, some down by 50% or more, have burned speculators who never intended to hold onto properties in the first place. Sales have plummeted, crimping cash flow for developers which are now scrambling to shed employees, cancel or postpone billions of dollars worth of projects and extend installment plans to avoid missed payments.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Under the bridge Lankans facing health problems
– Sunday Times – 29th November 2009
Early evacuation back to Colombo is the only solution for stranded workers in Saudi Arabia
By Leon Berenger
A large number of Sri Lankan migrant workers who have taken refuge under a bridge in the Saudi city of Jeddah have contracted influenza and been affected with skin diseases after they were drenched in flood waters caused by recent heavy rains in the oil-rich kingdom.
Actor-turned politician Ranjan Ramanayake who is in constant touch with the stranded workers told the Sunday Times that the situation was worsening by the day with no relief in sight for some 300 Lankans who are known to be currently living under the bridge.
Lankan migrant workers who have taken refuge under a bridge
He added that the recent media exposure had prompted the Sri Lankan Mission in Riyadh to supply two cooked meals each day to the group. “Supplying meals alone is not enough. The solution to the problem is to evacuate the group back to Colombo at the earliest. This responsibility lies with the Bureau for Foreign Employment and the Government”, Mr. Ramanayake who is also the opposition leader in the Sabaragamuwa Province said.
He said the authorities have been dragging their feet over the issue, despite the fact that they earn millions of rupees in the form of a fee from each worker leaving the country for employment overseas.“These monies should be utilized in cases such as this, instead of uttering false promises and lies”, Mr. Ramanayake said.
Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein Bhaila said it was planned to bring the group back in batches whenever there are flights available. He added that a group of 23 persons were brought back to the country earlier this week and another batch of 17 persons were already lined up to leave Jeddah on the next available flight.
He said these persons are without proper travel documents and are allowed to leave that country on Emergency Exit Certificates issued by the Sri Lankan embassy.
“Another issue is the non-availability of flights since all the airlines are over-booked owing to the ongoing Hajj festival,” Mr. Bhaila added.
Early evacuation back to Colombo is the only solution for stranded workers in Saudi Arabia
By Leon Berenger
A large number of Sri Lankan migrant workers who have taken refuge under a bridge in the Saudi city of Jeddah have contracted influenza and been affected with skin diseases after they were drenched in flood waters caused by recent heavy rains in the oil-rich kingdom.
Actor-turned politician Ranjan Ramanayake who is in constant touch with the stranded workers told the Sunday Times that the situation was worsening by the day with no relief in sight for some 300 Lankans who are known to be currently living under the bridge.
Lankan migrant workers who have taken refuge under a bridge
He added that the recent media exposure had prompted the Sri Lankan Mission in Riyadh to supply two cooked meals each day to the group. “Supplying meals alone is not enough. The solution to the problem is to evacuate the group back to Colombo at the earliest. This responsibility lies with the Bureau for Foreign Employment and the Government”, Mr. Ramanayake who is also the opposition leader in the Sabaragamuwa Province said.
He said the authorities have been dragging their feet over the issue, despite the fact that they earn millions of rupees in the form of a fee from each worker leaving the country for employment overseas.“These monies should be utilized in cases such as this, instead of uttering false promises and lies”, Mr. Ramanayake said.
Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein Bhaila said it was planned to bring the group back in batches whenever there are flights available. He added that a group of 23 persons were brought back to the country earlier this week and another batch of 17 persons were already lined up to leave Jeddah on the next available flight.
He said these persons are without proper travel documents and are allowed to leave that country on Emergency Exit Certificates issued by the Sri Lankan embassy.
“Another issue is the non-availability of flights since all the airlines are over-booked owing to the ongoing Hajj festival,” Mr. Bhaila added.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Lankan bridge dwellers refuse government assistance
Daily Mirror 24th November 2009
By Kshanika Argent
Sri Lankan migrant workers living under the Sharafiya Bridge in Jeddah have refused assistance from Sri Lankan officials stating they would rather be deported by the Saudi Government. The Sri Lankan’s did however request meals, Keheliya Rambukwela Minister of Foreign Employment Promotions told Daily Mirror Online.
Minister Rambukwela said, “As Sri Lankan’s we have an obligation to see to their comfort but they are not willing to come with us to our embassy safe house. They’d rather take their chance staying under the bridge to be deported so for now we’ll provide them with meals seeing as this is all we can do at the moment.”
He added that 99% of the Sri Lankan’s living under the bridge have overstayed their visas or have run away from their employers and come to this particular spot, like other nationalities with the hope of being deported without paying a penalty fee.
Minister Rambukwela explained that the Saudi government sends a police bus on regular rounds to arrest and then deport the bridge dwellers.
He further added that the number of Sri Lankan migrant workers under the bridge has been greatly exaggerated and that many other nationalities, including Indonesians, Filipinos and Indians also living under this bridge.
Despite the incident, relations with Saudi remain cordial. Minister Rambukwela stated that the Saudi’s have been ‘very supportive’ in the recent past, having spent USD 150 million on deporting Sri Lankan’s over the past 2 months.
Meanwhile Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hussein Bahila who returned home this morning from a visit to the Sri Lankan’s living under Sharafiya Bridge stated that the bridge issue is a ‘never ending problem’.
Minister Bahila said, “We offered women refuge at the safe house but they don’t want to leave the men. When we offered the men a place to stay they complained that it was too far from the bridge and that they cant miss the police bus.” He added “We can only advise them against acting in this way in the future but the ones deported will only be replaced by a another batch.”
By Kshanika Argent
Sri Lankan migrant workers living under the Sharafiya Bridge in Jeddah have refused assistance from Sri Lankan officials stating they would rather be deported by the Saudi Government. The Sri Lankan’s did however request meals, Keheliya Rambukwela Minister of Foreign Employment Promotions told Daily Mirror Online.
Minister Rambukwela said, “As Sri Lankan’s we have an obligation to see to their comfort but they are not willing to come with us to our embassy safe house. They’d rather take their chance staying under the bridge to be deported so for now we’ll provide them with meals seeing as this is all we can do at the moment.”
He added that 99% of the Sri Lankan’s living under the bridge have overstayed their visas or have run away from their employers and come to this particular spot, like other nationalities with the hope of being deported without paying a penalty fee.
Minister Rambukwela explained that the Saudi government sends a police bus on regular rounds to arrest and then deport the bridge dwellers.
He further added that the number of Sri Lankan migrant workers under the bridge has been greatly exaggerated and that many other nationalities, including Indonesians, Filipinos and Indians also living under this bridge.
Despite the incident, relations with Saudi remain cordial. Minister Rambukwela stated that the Saudi’s have been ‘very supportive’ in the recent past, having spent USD 150 million on deporting Sri Lankan’s over the past 2 months.
Meanwhile Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hussein Bahila who returned home this morning from a visit to the Sri Lankan’s living under Sharafiya Bridge stated that the bridge issue is a ‘never ending problem’.
Minister Bahila said, “We offered women refuge at the safe house but they don’t want to leave the men. When we offered the men a place to stay they complained that it was too far from the bridge and that they cant miss the police bus.” He added “We can only advise them against acting in this way in the future but the ones deported will only be replaced by a another batch.”
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